Don't know anything specific about the giant in question, but after recently shopping for a bike I found the NSW dealers were almost always way higher than Vic for similar bikes. I ended up with the Onix, but the best I could find it in Sydney for was about $22-2,300. Ordered it from Melb and it was $1600 shipped. I know it's a run out model, but I've still noticed that in general Vic stores are cheaper than NSW.

Even though Ultegra Di2 doesn’t have any mechanical changes for 2013, it rides the coat tails of Dura-Ace Di2 9070 and gains some cool upgrades. Since the two Di2 groups will now be sharing the same E-tube wiring harness, the new three or five port junction box can be used with Ultegra, allowing satellite shifters to be added (satellite shifters were not available for Ultegra Di2 for 2012). But, the biggest news is that with an 11-speed wheel, cassette and chain upgrade, the current 10-speed Ultegra Di2 can be converted to 11-speed. Syncing your system to the E-tube software will give you the option of changing the shifters and derailleurs from 10 to 11-speed.

bjohnson wrote:Any feedback on how well it handles neglected paths/country roads?

On the Giant/MC Cyclery test ride day last year, I had out on the roads around Ourimbah with some pretty poor road surfaces and it handled it all with aplomb. I was totally sold on everything except the colour...

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with these bikes. With the current specials available they seem very hard to look past. Where have they shaved off the costs? For 3K budget it seems to be a one horse race

Snagdog wrote:Can anyone tell me what's wrong with these bikes. With the current specials available they seem very hard to look past.

The colour for some people (i.e. me) but that's it.

Where have they shaved off the costs? For 3K budget it seems to be a one horse raceAnd it puts me in quite the pickle as my LBS doesnt stock Giant.

Nowhere that I can tell. My wife has a Defy Advanced which is slightly lower spec (105 groupo) but I can't see any corners cut with it or the TCR.Own brand stem & bars are fine. Own brand wheels and tyres are great. Fizik saddle is quality. The frame is fantastic (light, stiff, compliant, etc etc) and the Di2 groupset is as good as you'll ever need. You get Ridesense (speed/cadence sensor) built in - just add a Garmin 500 and you're set.Find your nearest Giant dealer and pay them a visit.

Wrong with it? Nothing. It's a top quality bike from a world leading manufacturer. See the latest Ride magazine for a review which says it's hard to distinguish from the frame that Rabobank rides in Le Tour. I had the previous edition of this bike and I thought it was terrific. With an updated frame and Di2, I doubt there is a better buy out there. Admittedly, it's important that you actually like the bike, and colour is part of that. The colour isn't "wrong" though - just a personal preference thing.

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